1 Answer
1

If this were implemented, all user information about the flag would have to be stripped from the flag.

It runs somewhat antithetical to the transparency that exists on SO in general (with the exception of voting), so I'm not sure how much of a good idea this is.

I can imagine the influx of questions on meta: "why do I have so many flags on my posts". Combine that with the current disaster that is flag weight and I'd have to say that I don't see how a feature like this could be helpful.

As for the statement:

It might be a way to allow people to rescue a borderline post.

While it might be a way to rescue a borderline post, as there are a number of ways that a borderline post can be saved without a flag:

Regular edits can be performed by those that have rep

Edits can be suggested by those that do not have enough rep

Comments can be left directed at the author of the post asking for clarification/improvement

Flagging these posts in instances where you can do the work is simply adding noise to the system. Furthermore, flagging these for moderator attention (this is not directed at you, but a general statement) is even more egregious, in that it takes a moderator's time away from content that deserves moderator attention.

If a post is flagged, it generally means that there is something wrong with it that can be dealt with in no other way except to flag it.

If it's a borderline post that can be rescued then take the action required to rescue it, do not flag it.

How does knowing a post has been flagged violate anonymity? Also, providing an additional way to know a post could use some work does not invalidate other mechanisms.
–
Dave NewtonJan 2 '12 at 20:15

@DaveNewton You're right, I assumed that the person who flagged would be visible. I've updated my answer accordingly and elaborated on what to do with borderline posts.
–
casperOneJan 2 '12 at 20:29

There's already no user information provided about voting; knowing something of mine was flagged is no different. If a flagger chooses not to engage directly in order to maintain anonymity, I don't see why I shouldn't have a mechanism for discovering as much. I agree that other mechanisms may be better, but neither editing nor commenting is anonymous, and leads back to your "reprisal" assumption.
–
Dave NewtonJan 2 '12 at 20:39

@DaveNewton I apologize, I'm too accustomed to the mod view. =) Voting has a special status, in that the mods can't even see how people vote, the anonymity of a vote on an individual post is sacrosanct, not so with flagging. As for reprisal due to edits or comments, those don't have a direct positive or negative impact on the user, so reprisal should not be sparked as a result of those actions (although I will admit it is possible).
–
casperOneJan 2 '12 at 20:59

Oh, didn't know you guys could see flag user info. I dunno, I see (indirect) reprisal when someone explains their vote--sure, technically they "bring it on themselves" by doing (what I consider to be) the right thing.
–
Dave NewtonJan 2 '12 at 21:04